Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

Dear Families,

            I can’t tell you how amazing it was to start a classroom community already knowing every single student in my classroom.  Thank you so much for a sharing your kids with me!  I know there has been a lot of information coming home as we start school, as well as some new routines.  I promise the dust will settle and we will all have a great year together.  We spent the first (half) week getting to know each other better while reviewing classroom and school procedures.   I know we all are excited and nervous about all our last year at Soquel  El has to bring- including Science Camp.  All questions will be answered soon.  I promise! J

            Homework is due on Fridays. Please sign the top of each HW sheet so I know you are aware of what your child is working on.  The class opted to have interactive journals with me.  Every time they write to me, I’ve promised to write them back.  It’s a great way to increase one on one interaction with each of them. I am making this optional.  They can write to me in class if time allows or at home.

Please know that you can always come talk to me or email me with any questions or concerns.  Remember- I’m a parent too. J Being a mom made me a better educator.  I promise I will always try my best to meet your child’s educational and emotional needs. I truly appreciate all the support you give your child, our classroom, and our school.  Soquel El is so great because of the strong connection between home and school.  That’s why I feel so lucky that I get to teach here, and have my children attend here.

Soon you’ll receive these notes via email so please email me at jmcmillan@suesd.org if you haven’t already so I can add you to the email list.  Or please send a note in if you prefer a paper version.

Thanks so much, Jaime McMillan

Aug. 26, 2015

August 26, 2015

Dear Families,

Welcome to 5^th Grade in Room 5A!  I feel very fortunate to get to work with some of the same families and am excited to get to better know more of the Soquel El community.  I am so glad that I get to spend another year with this awesome group of students before sending them off to middle school!  It’s going to be a fantastic year!

For those of you who don’t know me- I’m a mother of two children at Soquel.  My son Jack will be in 1^st grade and my daughter Taylor will be in 3^rd.  My husband, Pat, is a 4^th grade teacher at Rio Del Mar.  I’ve run a home daycare, taught preschool, kindergarten, 1^st grade, 4^th grade, and now 5^th!  I like to create a partnership with parents for we are a team in your child’s learning.  Open communication is key and we need to work together since we both want success for your child.  Please never hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Please see our class blog http://mrsmcmillan4.blogspot.com for more information.  I will do my best to keep it updated as a way to share what we’re working on in class.  I also prefer to send emails rather than making copies.  Please send me an email so I can create a class email list.  jmcmillan@suesd.org.  If you prefer a paper version, just let me know and I’d be happy to print one out for you.

This first week we will focus on creating a positive learning environment while getting to know our fellow classmates and teacher.   For homework this week, please review our classroom contract with your child and have them fill out the questionnaire.  Please work on getting all of your paper work to the office as well.  Like last year, I will make a homework packet that will go home Mondays and is due that Friday.  My hope is that this allows a little more flexibility in the pacing of the homework.

I look forward to getting to know you all! I will see you at Back to School Night on September 17^th, but hope you come say hi before then!

Thank you,

Mrs. Jaime McMillan